There is a difference between being alone and being lonely. I must admit that I’ve experienced each of these throughout my life but have learned to appreciate the lessons of both.

Jesus experienced loneliness throughout His life as well. He felt isolated at times, betrayed by close friends, abandoned by His followers, and misunderstood by those He wanted to help. Jesus reached a breaking point on the cross when He cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46 While taking on the sins of the world, Jesus felt the effects of being human.

There were also times when Jesus needed and wanted to be alone. He would leave the crowds and His disciples to find quiet places to rest and pray. In Matthew 14, after feeding the 5,000 Jesus went up on a mountain to pray. And again in Luke 6 before choosing His 12 disciples, He spent an entire night on the mountain in prayer. Although these were major events in the bible, it’s important to note that Jesus had a regular spiritual habit of slipping away in solitude to pray and recharge.

I love my friends and family and love spending time with them. However, just as Jesus did - having a time of solitude to pray and recharge is necessary in our Christian journey. It gives us space to maintain our uninterrupted spiritual connection with our Heavenly Father. Whether we need to pray, rest, process circumstances or make major decisions, Holy Spirit will always meet us during that time of solitude. And for that, I am grateful.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Help me to discern the seasons in my life as it pertains to spending time with you. In those times of solitude, remind me of your constant presence and the importance of our communion. I pray that you give me the desire to have a regular spiritual habit of slipping away to connect with you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Author: Kim White |